Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Media People, Let's Review Your AP Stylebooks Once Again

Since trans news is blowing up all over the place and it won't be the last time you media peeps and bloggers have to write stories about us trans folks, it's past time for y'all to get reacquainted with what the AP Stylebook says about how to report on trans people since y'all seem to be confused or obtuse about how to do so.

transgender-Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.   

If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.


In other words, you use masculine pronouns to refer to Chaz Bono or any transman.  Conversely, for myself or any transwoman you refer to us with feminine pronouns.

It's all about how we present ourselves to the world.

So elegantly simple a concept, but yet screwed up on a regular basis.

No comments: